The governments of Canada and Quebec have announced an investment of more than $33.6 million for 12 water and wastewater projects in the Bas-Saint-Laurent region under the Clean Water and Waste Water Fund.
SAYABEC, QUEBEC, MARCH 3, 2017 -- The governments of Canada and Quebec have announced an investment of more than $33.6 million for 12 water and wastewater projects in the Bas-Saint-Laurent region under the Clean Water and Waste Water Fund (CWWF). The financial support granted to 10 municipalities in the region will contribute to maintaining, renewing or developing their infrastructure to ensure the production and distribution of high quality drinking water for residents or the proper disposal and treatment of wastewater.
The Government of Canada is investing more than $20.2 million in these projects and the Government of Quebec is providing more than $13.3 million for a total joint contribution of over $33.6 million. The municipalities will provide the balance.
"These vital investments in the Bas-Saint-Laurent region's water infrastructure reflect the Government of Canada's commitment to ensuring access to sustainable and adequate services for Canadians for years to come," Rémi Massé, Member of Parliament for Avignon-La Mitis-Matane-Matapédia, said. "We will continue working in close collaboration with our partners to ensure we make smart infrastructure investments that help protect the environment and preserve public health, while paving the way for economic growth and for the creation of good-paying middle class jobs."
The approval of these projects was made possible bythe signing of a bilateral agreement between Canada and Quebecin July 2016, which made funding available for water projects across the province. With a base financial assistance rate of 83%, the Clean Water and Wastewater Fund is allowing municipalities to invest almost $800 million in infrastructure projects. Over the period of 2016 to 2018, the federal government will provide $363.8 million and the provincial government will provide $300 million for a total joint investment of $664 million.
"Thanks to the federal-provincial agreement for the Clean Water and Wastewater Fund, ten municipalities in the Bas-Saint-Laurent region will be able to complete important projects to meet their needs related to drinking water and wastewater treatment infrastructure. The financial support announced today clearly shows how working in partnership is improving the quality of life of our fellow citizens," saidJean D'Amour, Minister of Maritime Affairs and Minister responsible for the Bas-Saint-Laurent region, and Martin Coiteux, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Land Occupancy, Minister of Public Security and Minister Responsible for the Montréal region.
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